Melatonin, Safety & What You Need to Know (Without the Fear-Based Headlines
Lately, melatonin has been all over the news — and not in a reassuring way. Headlines have suggested that long-term melatonin use may increase the risk of heart problems. Understandably, many patients are now wondering:
“Should I stop taking melatonin?”
“Is it safe long-term?”
“Does this apply to me if I’ve used it for sleep, perimenopause, or cancer care?”
Let’s slow down and unpack what we actually know — and what we don’t know yet.
Important note: The information below summarizes current research. Decisions about melatonin use should be made in partnership with your own healthcare team and based on your individual case.
⭐ What the Recent Study Found (and Why It’s Not the Whole Story)
A large observational study recently examined long-term melatonin prescriptions in adults with insomnia. It found an association — not proof of causation — between long-term melatonin use and increased risks of:
heart failure
hospitalization
mortality
This understandably created concern.
But here’s the key:
The study does NOT prove that melatonin causes these outcomes.
Observational studies look at patterns in populations — but they cannot determine whether melatonin was the cause, or whether other factors played a role (like underlying medical conditions, medication interactions, sleep disorders, or lifestyle factors).
Before anyone draws firm conclusions, we need:
randomized controlled trials
mechanistic studies
research across different age groups and health histories
This type of research simply hasn’t been done yet.
⭐ What About Melatonin in Cancer Care?
This is where the conversation becomes more nuanced.
Multiple studies have explored melatonin as an adjunct therapy alongside standard cancer treatments. Research has suggested potential benefits such as:
Better tumor remission rates
Improved overall survival in some cancers
Reduced side effects of chemotherapy and radiation (fatigue, neuropathy, sleep disruption)
Improved emotional wellbeing
Better sleep quality
Short-term use may help with:
fatigue
depression
sleep disruption
Long-term use has even been linked to improved quality of life in breast cancer survivors.
In other words:
When used strategically, melatonin can be helpful — but this depends completely on diagnosis, dosage, timing, medication interactions, and your total health picture.
⭐ If You Currently Take Melatonin, Here’s What You Should Do
If you are using melatonin — whether occasionally, nightly, or as part of cancer care — do not stop it abruptly without checking in.
The recent headlines are based on one study with important limitations.
It does not apply to everyone.
It is not definitive.
And it should not provoke fear-based decisions.
Instead:
Talk with your practitioner (or with me, if you’re under my care).
I can help you:
evaluate your dose
consider the duration of use
explore alternative sleep supports
make an informed, personalized plan
Every person’s physiology, health history, and hormone rhythm is different — your care should be too.
⭐ The Bottom Line
Melatonin is not “good” or “bad.”
What matters is context, dosing, and your individual health picture.
If you’re unsure whether melatonin is right for you — or how the new research applies to your specific case — let’s talk. You don’t need to navigate the headlines alone.
Rachel Oppitz, ND
